cal30_sniper

iTrader: (16)

Hello All,

I've got an '87 T/A that's wrecked with a fresh TH700 in it and an '87 Formula with a TH700 that's pretty solid but not near the par of the other one. I'm looking to drop the transmission out of the Trans Am and stick it back in the Formula. From what I can tell, this shouldn't be too big of an issue.

My Assumptions:

1. Both being '87 cars, they should both have electrically driven speedometers (120 mph in the Formula, 140 in the Trans Am)

2. Trans Am is TPI, Formula is LG4. This means that I will have to keep the TV cable that's in the Formula so the geometry is right.

Everything else should be simply unbolting and sliding into the other car, correct? Here's the way I have it played out in my head:

1. Remove inspection cover from transmission
2. Drop starter
3. unbolt torque converter from the flywheel
4. remove TV cable, shift linkage, and transmission lines
5. remove driveshaft
6. unbolt transmission bell housing from engine and rear transmission crossmember
7. remove transmission and torque converter, install new transmission and torque converter, assemble in reverse.

I've done a couple of Mopar Torqueflites, but this is my first go at a GM product, so I'm not inexperienced overall, just in this particular circumstance.

Also:

How hard is it to get the TV cable attached to the transmission? Again, I don't anticipate a huge battle here, but you never know.

I apologize, I'm sure that I might be able to get most of this information by searching, but I had PRK eye surgery on Tuesday, and it's about all I can do to look at the computer screen with the text blown up as far as it goes. I don't think it's possible for me to get through all the pages of junk I'd have to search through to find the answers, and I need to be ready to roll on this as soon as I can see again, because the weather certainly isn't going to get any better.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it,

-Levi

Atilla the Fun

Swapping TV cables is best done with both transmissions out of the cars. You'll need a 10 mm, and a needlenose pliers. but this can be done without dropping the pans, just undo the 10 mm-headed bolt where the cable enters the trans, pull up, catch the link with the needlenose, and it becomes obvious.

cal30_sniper

iTrader: (16)

Thanks, I think I know exactly what you're talking about. Me and a couple of buddies got together today and dropped the transmission out of the maroon T/A. All came out without a hitch, and I don't think it's going to be a problem at all to put back in. Might have to study up a bit on adjusting the shift linkage, but that shouldn't be too hard. Found a brand new torque converter and a really fresh pan when I pulled that thing out, very happy camper.

Thanks for the help,

-Levi

cal30_sniper

iTrader: (16)

And after opening up the one in the formula, looks like it needed a fluid and filter change more than anything else. Shifts still pretty solid. Oh well, the other transmission was brand spanking new, so there you have it.

Old one's up for sale if anyone's interested, looking to get about $250 out of it. Has 79000 miles.

Atilla the Fun

My local Pick-N-Pull sells those for $75 in mystery condition, still in the car, but with an exchange policy, which might mean another trip and another afternoon of labor. So this one being already out and known good, the price isn't bad.